Actually, after watching the way Reppe cunningly characterises her highly realistic cast, some tender souls might baulk at nibbling Mr and Mrs Pear or their son William. As for chips? Perish the thought – not least because we’ve all gathered together for Potato’s birthday party, though if he doesn’t allow Reppe to give him a bath, our little mud-encrusted chum with the funny voice won’t be joining in any of the games.
The two to four-year-olds that Reppe had in mind when she devised this piece are, quite rightly, captivated by the imaginatively crafted miniature world on stage, and by the way ordinary objects are suddenly transformed so that a teapot turns into a lamp, or a rotary whisk becomes a telephone. And when a wee chest of drawers is used like a doll’s house, full of intriguing occupants – the baby carrots, snoozing in one compartment, the bejewelled boudoir of an operatic aubergine in another – then the stream of witty surprises seems endless. Sly puns, appreciated by attendant adults, cheerfully cheesy music and Reppe’s own amiable star quality – she narrates/manipulates/chats and sings – are underpinned by meticulous production values and an attention to detail that doesn’t deal in compromise.
Mischievous Potato scrubs up beautifully, but there are a few more twists and some inspired visual tricks before it’s time to cover up the fruit bowl and reluctantly say goodbye to a solo performance packed with vitamins M and F (Magic and Fun – essential to wellbeing!). www.shonareppepuppets.co.uk
Star rating: ****
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